Ask dotTechies: What security software (anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall, etc.) do you protect your computer with?
November 19, 2009 44
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As I am sure most dotTechies already noticed, I have started a new Ask dotTechies series in which I pose weekly questions to dotTechies. These polls are just “for fun” and informative purposes so everyone can get to know the dotTech family better. I also hope to facilitate discussion on the topics at hand.
That being said, security software is always a hot topic for computer users. I have even written an article (Prevention, detection, and cure: 9 programs that will provide the best all-around security for you and your computer – for free) to help guide users in selecting the best security software without having to pay a dime. So, this weeks Ask dotTechie is on security software: What security software (anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall, etc.) do you protect your computer with?
Before I present the polls, let me clarify one thing. While there is no fine line separating the two, generally speaking, there are two different types of anti-malware security software: “mainstream” and “sidekick”. “Mainstream” security software are ones that act as the main anti-malware protection for a user; software like this are Avira, Norton, Kaspersky, NOD32, McAfee, BitDefender, etc. Then there are “sidekick” security software that act as supplements to the “mainstream” security software; software like this are Malwarebytes, IObit Internet Security 360, Lavasoft’s Ad-Aware, SUPERAntiSpyware, Spyware Terminator, etc.
Users never, ever want to run two “mainstream” security software on the same computer at the same time. However users can run some “mainstream” and “sidekick” security software on the same computer at the same time because the developers of “sidekick” security software recognize the fact that they need to make it so their software play well with “mainstream” security software. If the “mainstream” and “sidekick” security software will work well together totally depends on how the developers of each programmed their software; some may, some may not. Generally speaking, most “sidekick” security software work well with “mainstream” security software. Now “work well” does not mean that using both software will be exactly equivalent to only using one software in terms of computer resource usage and speed; “work well” means that the extra computer resource usage and speed decrease caused by running both software will be negligible and unnoticeable.
Therefore, because of the fact there are multiple different types of security software and many people run more than one, I have created three polls for this article instead of one: one for “mainstream” security software, one for “sidekick” security software, and one for firewalls. Feel free to only answer one or two but I do encourage answering all three.
***Note: Some of the software mentioned below have free and paid versions. The selection for the security software encompasses free and paid. In other words, regardless of if you use the free or paid version select that software brand. Also, some people may run internet security packages from one company that has all security components included. Regardless of if you run just the anti-virus/anti-spyware version of a security software or if you use their internet security package, select that software brand. Feel free to clarify in the comments below if you run free or paid versions, and if you use internet security packages or not.
[poll id="4"] [poll id="5"] [poll id="6"]
Have any comments on the topic of security software? Let us know below in the comments! (Linux users feel free to brag about how Linux (currently) gets little to no malware as compared to Windows.)
I only voted as using ThreatFire but I also use MSE.
At one point I used Webroot AntiSpyware, but it has some problems with 7 so I’m not using it right now.
@Samuel: If you run Threatfire and MSE is it safe to assume you don’t use any “mainstream” software then? Because if you do use a “mainstream” software + Threatfire + MSE, that is fairly overkill imo… what type of websites do you visit? :P :P :P
@Ashraf: My main stream was AVG Free and SpySweper but with SpySweepers problems on 7 I only use AVG Free now. Maybe, but don’t forget that since MSE replaces Defender, I didn’t really add an extra program. And Overkillish, maybe, but you’re posting with a man who has never had a virus with his “overkill” stratagy.
@Samuel: True, true; also Threatfire is a behavior blocker -it provides *extra* functionality not found in AVG and MSE so it is not like you are overlapping programs unnecessarily.
BTW I was just teasing =).
G’day Ashraf,
for my MAINSTREAM security I use Sunbelt VIPRE Anti-virus/Anti-malware and for my MAINSTREAM firewall once again I use a Sunbelt product – Sunbelt Personal Firewall. I do not use any sidekick security programs as I feel extremely safe with the Sunbelt Software programs I use…IMHO the 2 programs mentioned are some of the best if not THE BEST available.
Yours Sincerely
Youngatheart 1946
@Ashraf: Your point about ThretFire is true but techinically MSE and AVG overlap.
You may have been but my systems still clean!
Avira premium is my av protection.
and for the moment Online armor is my firewall.
DefenseWall is my sidekick security product.
It is shortly to have a Firewall added to it and is my favourite security product bar none.
I may be mis-informed, but I thought that my a-squared anti-malware 4.5 was both a mainsteam and sidekick software. Am I not protected like I think I am?
Hi Ashraf,
I recently installed A-squared Anti-malware pro (from the promotion) and it works as “Mainstream” as well as “sidekick” software (correct me if i am wrong) with PC tools firewall. But now i am sick of PC tools firewall as it keeps on giving the “Alerts” near the taskbar. I tried a lot so that i can stop those alerts but unsuccessful. Is there any firewall which doesn’t pop-up with those many alerts????? I have now voted for “Avira”- Mainstream, “A-squared”-Sidekick & “PC tools”-firewall.
Before A-squared i was using for many years:
1) Avira – as MainStream
2) IOBIT Security 360 – as sidekick
3) Windows Firewall.
Thanks.
Between my two laptops, I use a horrible mish-mash of software; mostly from GAOTD or from offers I have been alerted to here. Some other stuff I found on Majorgeeks.com. My machines are a deplorable mess of my own creation that I have only myself to blame for. (Insert maniacal laughter).
Sunbelt VIPRE Anti-virus; it’s a new kid on the block but it does a nice job. On some machines I use Online Armor ++ which includes a-squared/Ikarus which in most reviews is getting as good of rates of finding malware as Avira. I tend to stick with Online Armor for firewall protection but have tested PCTools Firewall Plus and agree it is very nice but missing many of the pieces that OA has to keep malware from ever getting onto your machine.
One sidekick I use on every 32-bit machine I have is Sandboxie to sandbox my browsers or any program I am unsure of. This adds a great layer of security to internet facing programs that will keep any junk out of your main computer if it does something bad. Everyone should consider using it to test unknown software.
MSSE is an antiirus, not a sidekick.
Ashraf,
I am using Sunbelt’s Vipre, along with MalwareBytes. I’m surprised that Vipre was not included in any of the selections !!
Here is my securities configuration:
1) Avira(free) – mainstream
2) AVG(free) – for my POP email + USB (resident shield turned off)
3) a-Squared Pro – sidekick
4) Comodo – firewall only
So, what do you think. Heavy computer resources? Not at all. Run very well & fast on my old AMD Turion X2, 2GB ram with WinXP SP2.
@youngatheart1946: A Sunbelt fan I see =).
@Samuel: True. I was thinking about the AVG/MSE overlap when I posted that but I couldn’t think of a proper way to word it so I said f it… I hope he doesn’t catch on =P.
@Tony: DefenseWall rings a bell somewhere. I think I may have found it while research GesWall.
@Richard and @Sandeep: Yes a-squared can be considered “mainstream”. There is no real fine line between “mainstream” and “sidekick” so there is bound to be overlap.
I only listed a-squared as a “sidekick” because that is what it has been traditionally used for
@Sandeep: If you don’t like that many pop ups, try Outpost or Windows Firewall (Windows Firewall on Vista or Win7 only).
@Emrys: At least you are protected… I hope =).
@leland: I can’t believe I forgot to add Sunbelt to the list. I updated the poll now to include it.
@Locutus: It may be a anti-virus but I still consider it a sidekick although I can see why you want to call it mainstream; a matter of perception I guess.
@cuemark: Updated to include Sunbelt =).
@Quro@75: o_O. Well if it works for you who am I to object.
I’ve voted for Avira and Comodo. That’s not everything I use though.
Network Protection
Untangle
Router with SP1 firewall and Comodo Secure DNS.
Real-time Protection
Comodo Internet Security (Firewall+HIPS)
Avira Free
WinPatrol Free
Passive Protection
Windows 7 UAC (no prompts, thanks to UAC Tweak)
Disallowed-by-default Software Restriction Policy
SpywareBlaster
Spybot Immunize
On-demand Scanning
A-squared Free
Comodo AV
Malwarebytes’ Anti-malware
Prevx CSI
Returnil Virus Guard
Sophos Anti-Rootkit
Spybot – Search & Destroy
SUPERAntispyware
Firefox Add-ons
Adblock Plus
LinkExtend
NoScript
Others
HiJackThis (+ http://www.hijackthis.de/)
VirusTotalUploader
Software Updates
RSS Feeds: kaldata.net, Freeware Guide, FileHippo.com, Softpedia
KC Softwares SUMo
Secunia PSI
Update Notifier
System Virtualization
Returnil Home Free
System Backup
Windows 7 System Image
I use AVG installed on the D drive and Returnil with Virus Guard to protect the C Drive. I just turn off Returnil when I choose to install something.
So how about another category for programs like returnil and sandboxie?
I use Sunbelt Vipre. The product works extremely well and the company’s free, toll-free tech support is extraordinary.
I rely mainly on Vipre for real time protection and a weekly deep scan.
I use two sidekick programs: Spyware Blaster and Spybot Search and Destroy (which I run manually with Vipre’s “active protection” disabled).
I use Avira Premium. I don’t keep “sidekick” software running all the time. I run MalwareBytes and Spybot occasionally on demand, but they usually only find tracking cookies. And I just use the built-in Windows Firewall (with Vista). Never really had an infection but I’m careful about email attachments and clicking on links.
Now only if I could convince my parents and my in-laws to be as careful. Even with primary and sidekick software running, they still seem to get infected. I’ve had to clean their computers several times.
hey, what about Spyware Blaster as a sidekick?
MM I am using Bullguard Internet security not sure whether it mainstream?. I got one year free license thru Gizmo site. Previous was using Panda Internet Security. Am adjusting to Bullguard. Found Panda easy to use. I find Bullguard slows down my computer and Internet, i find it user friendly. Prefer both of these programs to Kas. Also use Asquared anti malware.
The options only allow one choice. I do use
Please note, that a-squared Anti-Malware can no longer be considered as “Sidekick”, but as a full antivirus solution since version 4.0 with the dual-scanengine.
However, a-squared Free, with scanner only is “Sidekick”.
Dear Ashraf
I am using QuickHeal as antivirus and antimalware and as a Firewall(paid)since last 4 yars
Quite happy about it
Dr NItin
I use Bitdefender security suite and Spyware Dr as a backup
You’ve only listed “Spyware Dr” as a “sidekick” product, but it should be under “mainstream”.. It includes anti-virus and since I’ve been running on all 3 computers (since around 2005 or so), have NEVER had any kind of virus or spyware issues..
DID have problems with BOTH Norton and McAfee..
FYI, PC Tools (the maker of Spyware Dr) now has a full “Internet Security” package which also includes a firewall as well as all of the other protections.